Do Lash Extensions Ruin Your Eyelashes? No, But Your Lash Tech Might

One of the reasons some people avoid getting lash extensions is the myth that eyelash extensions will ruin your eyelashes. But do lash extensions ruin your eyelashes? The short answer is yes. They can.

The main culprit of lash breakage and damage to your natural lashes is from inexpertly applied eyelash extensions. I recommend that you only get lash extensions done by a vetted professional lash technician.

I have been in the makeup and beauty sphere for years, and I have heard and seen, many horror stories about botched lash extensions. I have seen many people needlessly damage their natural lashes by using improper methods.

One thing I would like to note is that eyelash extensions do not have to be damaging. If done correctly, lash extension can be the perfect way to take your look to the next level. That is why it is so disheartening to see people give up after an experience with a bad lash tech or without researching first.

I recommend you take the time to think about the factors involved in getting lash extensions. Look up the studios where you would get your extensions done. Who will be doing it? Ask lots of questions so you feel confident in your lash tech expertise.

In this article, I’ll cover everything that can go wrong with eyelash extensions. I will break down some of the main questions people have about eyelash extensions and give answers to them. 

Can eyelash extensions damage your natural lashes?

Here are some of the factors that go into whether eyelash extensions can damage your natural lashes or not. 

Material 

There are a lot of different materials used in making eyelash extensions. First is the material of the lash extension itself. Lash extensions can be made from:

• Mink 
• Silk
• Synthetic materials 

Synthetics are made to mimic the natural varieties and are usually much cheaper. Next, is the adhesive used to keep the extensions on the lash. The kind of formula the adhesive has may cause a bad reaction.

Every material has its pros and cons, including allergies and budget. Always do your research, and know what is best for you.

Type of lash extensions

There are a lot of different styles of lash extensions, which vary based on the number of extensions applied to a natural lash.

Classic lash extensions have a 1:1 ratio, so one lash extension on every natural lash. Volume and hybrid styles have several lash extensions on a natural lash. Having more than one extension on a natural lash increases the risk of the extensions breaking the lash.

Another thing to consider when deciding on lash extensions is the size. The length and thickness can affect how the lash extensions look and how damaging they are. Going for long or heavy lash extensions may cause damage to your natural lashes, the weight causing them to fall out or break the eyelash.

Type of adhesive 

Most of the adhesives available will have similar ingredients. The most significant difference will be how much of each element is present in relation to the others. Some common ingredients you will find are cyanoacrylate and formaldehyde.

The different formulas will have different properties, so some may be harder to work with than others. Talk to the technician who will be doing your lash extensions and make sure they can work with the adhesive formula you want to use. 

It will come down to the person’s skill applying the lash extensions and their ability to use the adhesive in the right amounts. For a list of our favorite extension glues check out our article on The Best Eyelash Extension Glue.

Improper application 

This is the number one reason lash extension can ruin your natural lashes. The experience of the person applying the lashes will make or break your look. Lash extensions can be improperly applied in a lot of ways, such as: 

• Gluing lashes to the wrong spot
• Too much glue 
• Too many lashes applied on one area

Most studios will only hire those who have the right skills. Still, you should always look into the past work of those applying the extensions.

Qualifications and skills of lash technicians 

One of the issues that cause bad experiences with eyelash extensions is the lack of accreditation in the industry. Many places will hand out certificates to those unqualified to give lash extensions. Even those with a license may not know what they are doing.

The best thing you can do to ensure your lash extension experience is good is to find a skilled technician.

If available, look at some of their recent work on other clients. If they have a license or certificate, research it and see what qualifications or requirements are needed to receive it. Decide for yourself if you trust that this person knows what they are doing.

Do eyelash extensions make your lashes shorter?

Since lash extensions are added to existing lashes, people believe that their natural lashes are shortened when they fall out. Usually, extensions will fall off with the natural lash when the next one begins to grow. That means the lash will remain at its natural length.

There is potential for thick extensions or those applied with the wrong amount of adhesive to cause the natural lash to break off. In these cases, they may make your lashes short until they naturally shed and new lashes grow in. You can avoid all this by making sure a skilled professional applies your extensions.

Do eyelashes grow back after lash extensions?

The rate at which your eyelashes will grow back will vary between individuals, but they will grow back even if they have been damaged. Eyelashes grow back to their natural state within 6-8 weeks.

If you have had your extensions removed, the removal process might have caused some lashes to be pulled out. This removal is one of the things that cause all the horror stories you have heard, like creating bald spots. Eyelashes that are pulled out may take longer to regrow.

Letting lash extensions fall out naturally will allow some time for your new lashes to grow in. Since they have had time to grow, there won’t be any noticeable bald spots.

Bad extensions may be a bummer, but unless you have an allergic reaction, it may be best just to let them run their course. Removing them may pull out the natural lashes and add to the time it takes for them to recover. Lash extensions typically have about a 6-week life span.

Should you take a break if you get lash extensions regularly?

It is highly recommended to take breaks if you get extensions regularly. How long those breaks should be will vary, but should be a minimum of 2 months. This period gives your natural lashes time to recover and regrow. Pay attention to how your lashes react to the regularity of your extensions and how quickly they shed.

Getting eyelash extensions regularly can have some people develop an allergy to some of the materials, so you should take breaks. For most, a short break should suffice but always ask for advice from professionals.

How to care for your lash extensions

If you follow through and get lash extensions, you must care for them properly. Not taking care of your new extensions may cause damage to them and your natural lashes. Try to brush the lash extensions regularly using a small brush. These brushes are like mascara brushes but free of makeup.

You should avoid rubbing your eyes and using any oil-based product near your eyes. The oil will weaken the adhesive and cause the extensions to fall off or move off the lash. With lash extensions, it’s best to avoid mascara of any kind. You should especially avoid anything marketed as waterproof.

Cleanse your extensions with lash extension wash. For more details, check out our favorites in Best Eyelash Extension Cleansers.

Watch your extensions, and if you notice any damage, keep taking care of them as best as you can. Wait until you can ask a professional to remove them or for the lash extensions to fall out naturally. Trying to remove the extensions yourself may cause even more damage to your lashes than leaving them in.

Key takeaways on the risks of wearing lash extensions

Do lash extensions ruin your eyelashes? They can, but they do not have to. One thing to understand about getting lash extensions for the first time is that there is always some element of risk. That said, you can lessen those risks by taking the time to research where you are getting your lash extensions.

The number one reason lash extensions damage natural lashes is improper application. Lash extensions do not have to be damaging! It all comes down to getting them done right. Do not give up on lash extensions. Do your research! 
Check out our lashes advice page to learn all the different ways you can keep your lashes beautiful.